We’re proud to present the October edition of Dubspot Student Spotlight! Every month we feature some of the exciting and talented artists, DJs, and producers who have recently come through Dubspot. Our roundup this month features Conrad Clifton, Marc Bertrand, MAMBISA, James Passion, and DJ Big Red!

Conrad Clifton // Brooklyn, NY

Conrad Clifton is a Brooklyn-based artist focused on creating unconventional electronic dance music. An artist in every sense of the word, he started singing, rapping, and playing piano very young. He has won multiple head-to-head producer competitions, gaining the opportunity to work with Grammy-winning producers Tricky Stewart, Bryan-Michael Cox, and Jazze Pha. He has also worked with Missy Elliot, Rick Ross, The-Dream, Big Sean, Asher Roth, Jazmine Sullivan, Chilli (of TLC), and many more.

After relocating to New York City, DJing was a natural progression for him. The nightclub gigs, house parties, and events that he performed at taught him how to read the crowd and give them what they want. He translated this knowledge and love of all things “musically abstract” into the innovative original compositions he currently releases.

Conrad Clifton’s latest release, Picture in Picture, is an instrumental project with hip hop, bass, trap, and UK Garage influences. Stream or download it now at conradclifton.com.

“I really enjoyed my time at Dubspot. I came in with an unconditional love of music (that was being tested by past experiences) and I needed some new inspiration. I got that and much more, studying advanced DJ techniques and turntablism. The instructors were great–super cool and very knowledgeable. To this day, I’m still making moves with the friends I made in class. I use the skills and theory I learned at Dubspot in my stage performance, as well as in my approach to music production in general. I never planned to be a DMC world champion–that wasn’t my focus. I really just wanted to add a few skills to my musical repertoire, and gain a new (and more broad) perspective on music. And in that, I feel I’ve definitely succeeded!” - Conrad Clifton

Marc Bertrand // Italy

Italo-French DJ/producer Marc Bertrand (a.k.a. Marco Dal Pozzolo) began playing hard techno sets under the moniker The Piercer. After some years as a member of The Matrix Live Club crew, he changed his artist name to Marc Bertrand, highlighting his French background. After moving to New York, Marco studied Music Production with Ableton Live at Dubspot. He currently runs a label with partner Matteo Gamba called Theatre Records.

“My three months at Dubspot are unforgettable. I had an experience that changed my life from many points of view. I was just 21 when I moved from Milan to NYC, and during my American time, I had the huge chance to learn many things about the electronic music production and not only thanks to all the people that I met at Dubspot. A really nice environment that I really miss since my return. ” – Marc Bertrand

MAMBISA // Brooklyn, NY

From Brooklyn bars to Bolivian radio stations, Jess Jones has been immersed in the performance and promotion of global music culture for the last decade. She hosted a Latin music program on WESU for three years while singing salsa with Orquesta Fiebre, learning steel pan, and shoddily recording her own original tracks on GarageBand. In 2008, Jess moved to NYC to work in A&R for international record label Putumayo World Music. When the headphones came off the for the day, she played percussion and sang with acoustic Cuban son and salsa quartet Grupo Loisaida, and then with neo-Latin funk and bodega soul innovators Lo Primo.

As MAMBISA, Jess uses Ableton Live to create and sample intriguing, vibrant, and unexpectedly danceable sounds, producing beat-driven original music and experimental DJ sets. As DJ JJ, she runs Wild Smile Family, an event production company that hosts unique social events for families which blend yoga and wellness into free-form, playful dance parties–think bhangra vocals backing a classic Raffi rhyme with a moombahton bass line, and lots of adorable grins! Jess is also a dedicated yoga practitioner and instructor who sings and plays with NYC-based kirtan collective Bhakti Dojo.

“For years, I’ve wanted to learn how I could synthesize my love for esoteric melodies and uplifting rhythms I’ve discovered through my work and world travels with my passion for electronic music and dance culture, so new audiences will appreciate them all. I also sought a program that would teach me to produce, record and then perform my own original music using cutting edge technology. Dubspot’s DJ and EMP courses, taken in tandem, launched me into a whole new stratosphere of creative possibility. As a tech-shy musician, I felt supported every step of the way by the capable and considerate faculty. I was sincerely excited to go to class every day and spend the night tinkering with Ableton Live. Thank you, Dubspot, for amplifying my artistic ability!” - Jess Jones

James Passion // Canada

James Passiontells stories without words. For him the dancefloor is a place to release all your cares and worries, and music is the drug that will truly set you free. These shared musical experiences are the moments that James lives for.

Since he was first drawn into the electronic music scene as a teenager, he has played at a wide range of venues, from lounges to after hours. His taste in music covers great sonic distances, from hypnotic deep house and dubby techno, to upbeat house and tech with splashes of glitchy electronica and even some progressive. His goal is to master the art of storytelling, and he wants to take you along on his incredible emotional journey.

Originally from the West coast of Canada, James found himself in Saskatoon where he became heavily involved in the local electronic music scene. He performed at all the city’s premier club nights (including Dr.J’s Souled Out, We Are Not Pop, Skylab, and 612), and held down a residency at Avacado’s lounge as well. In 2012, he played the mainstage at the Connect music festival. Though this involvement with the scene kept him very busy, he knew he wanted more. 2013 now sees James studying electronic music production and performance at Dubspot in Manhattan.

“Going to school at Dubspot has been an absolute game changer! Being in this enviroment provides so much more than just an education in electronic music. The facilities are state of the art, and full of creative, like-minded individuals. When I came here I was frustrated and confused. I will leave with a priceless skill set, confidence, and a long list of new connections.” - James Passion

DJ Big Red // Berkeley, CA

UC Berkeley graduate, and California native DJ BIG RED (aka Mikey Costanzo) is an emerging producer, DJ, songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist. His variety of talents have allowed him to reach the Top Ten on iTunes charts twice in the last two years. He has performed with a wide array of artists such as Gramatik, Slightly Stoopid, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, and has recently announced a performance at Hullabalooza music festival on November 17th, along with acts including Zeds Dead and Flux Pavillion.

DJ BIG RED has been producing, writing, and touring with California reggae/hip hop act Radical Something over the past two years. They are currently on a 30-city North American tour called #RIOT (RIDE.IT.OUT.TOUR), to celebrate the release of their newest album, Ride It Out, which debuted at #9 on the Billboard Heatseeker chart.

DJ BIG RED also creates omni-tempo bass-heavy remixes and originals when he is not producing for other acts, and loves experimenting in diverse genres. Along with fellow Dubspot student Wilb3r, he recently started BASSRACE, a duo which features hip-hop infused electronic productions.

“Dubspot influenced both my production work flow and my overall sense of community that surrounds the modern music society. My experience at Dubspot really opened my mind to my potential while keeping my artistic soul intact.” – Mikey Costanzo